r/sticknpokes • • Dec 21 '18

Educational Guide to successfully SnP:

2.2k Upvotes

Hi, so many people are asking for advice on this sub that I think we need a Thread pinned to the top on how to successfully poke a tattoo for beginners.

I'm gonna start with a few basic advices that I find crucial and you can comment more and upvoted them. I will edit this post and add the most upvoted comments to this list.

So here we go:

  1. Get proper equipment!

Buy it on Amazon or a tattoo supply shop. Don't use some shady ink or needles or whatnot. It's not that expensive and your tattoo will look immensely better than with India ink and sewing needle. Unless you want the genuine prison style look.

  1. meticulously cleaned workplace and equipment

This saves you from infection and other diseases you might get otherwise. DONT REUSE NEEDLES, GLOVES, RAZORS OR ANYTHING ELSE! Put your ink into a cap and throw that ink away after use. Be aware of cross contamination! Wipe the skin down with alcohol AFTER shaving the area. And DON'T USE YOUR PHONE WITH GLOVES ON, GET A NEW PAIR IF NEEDED. don't be greedy and try to save a dollar or two while risking an infection or other disease like HIV. Prepare everything beforehand and don't go running for some paper towels in the middle of tattooing

  1. Prepare a stencil that you are happy with!

It takes a huge amount of skill for your tattoo to look better than the stencil. So spend some time drawing and redrawing and perfecting the stencil before you start poking. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE STENCIL NOT THE PREVIOUS DOT! You need more passes on the same line anyways so don't let one misspoke distract you from your stencil! If you keep wiping down your stencil in the process of poking, try using a non alcohol based wiping solution. I use only pH neutral soap with water. And try applying a stencil just for fun to see how much stencil gel you need and how to use the paper. Try wiping it down with different solutions and see what works best for you.

  1. Take your time!!!

Most stick and pokes look bad because they are rushed. The cleaner you want your lines to get, the slower you have to poke. Take 1/2 a second for every dot (at least for lines). If it takes too long, take a break. Or continue the next day, or better: after it has healed. That way you can see the end result and redo things you are not happy with.

  1. Experiment and learn from others!

Noone can tell you what's right for you. So just try stuff out. Try different angles of the needle. Try different needle sizes. Try different ink. Ask people what ink, needles handposition, stencil gel they use. That's why Most of us post the needle size in the title.

  1. STRETCH the skin!

This is one of the secrets to solid lines! That's why some people dont like petroleum jelly, it makes the skin slippery and harder to stretch. Just experiment and see what's works best for you.

  1. Don't start with using small needles.

I would say don't go below 5rl. Try to use the biggest needle that fits your design. As you get better you can try 3rl or bug pin needles.

  1. Aftercare!

DON'T PICK ON YOUR TATTOO DURING THE HEALING PROCESS! Don't go sunbathing and don't stay in the water for too long. Cover your fresh tattoo with some moisturizing cream after you are done and stick a bandaid on it! Remove the bandaid after 1-3 days and clean your tattoo with pH neutral soap. Keep applying lotion 1 to 2 times a day and LET IS BREATHE. Don't put another bandaid on it.

  1. Share your results and what you have learned!

This is why we are all here. To learn from one another. Share your experiences!

NOTE: THERE IS A SHOPPING LIST IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SUPPLIES TO GET !

OK that's all I can think of for now. Please comment if you want to add anything and I will edit it into this post. ADMINS!! Pin this post to the subreddit!

I am no professional or a doctor so let me say these final words:

I don't know tho.


r/sticknpokes • • 15h ago

Freshly Stuck client ghosted me, so i did it on myself <3

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189 Upvotes

dynamic black ink, 3rl 9rl


r/sticknpokes • • 8h ago

Freshly Stuck Tooth

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31 Upvotes

The image is freshly done but its from 4 years ago now. Did it on myself. I can post the healed result in comments


r/sticknpokes • • 23h ago

Practice Pokes More melon practice pokes

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303 Upvotes

my mum wants a lotus tattoo from me at some point - so I’ve reattempted the first lotus I tried, with her design revisions, I’ll definitely go through a few more melons before I ever touch skin, but I think I can already see a lot of improvement between the two lotuses side by side, and I feel much more confident in my technique - largely thanks to the helpful feedback from this subreddit

I also tried to repeat the clover design twice, one with more defined lines and one with a more natural stippled look, which I think I’m leaning towards artistically (that being said, I probably feel that way because my solid lines could definitely use some work, I’ll be sure to practice both going forward)

all designs but the rabbit are mine :p I would love to hear any constructive criticism


r/sticknpokes • • 3h ago

Practice Pokes melon help

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6 Upvotes

i’ve been using the same 1203RL for these melon practice pokes, with the spider being the 1st, remedios varo interpretation the 2nd (please don’t mind the leftover stencil, i left it on for too long and couldn’t get the rest off. i also attempted using grey wash for shading), and the moth the 3rd (also some grey wash shading).

am i poking too deep, as i saw that melons will help you identify when there’s blowout, or should i be using 1201RL for more detailed pieces? or is this a matter of the same needle being used and dulling down? im very new to this and would appreciate any constructive criticism.


r/sticknpokes • • 2h ago

Conversation Blackout?

2 Upvotes

Has anyone attempted blackout before?

I have quite a few tattoos that i just hate looking at and im wanting to cover them... im wondering if I could potentially do it over time in short bursts with a 9RL?

I did do a harry potter piece on my thigh when i did my tattoo apprenticeship, but Im wanting to cover it.


r/sticknpokes • • 9h ago

Practice Pokes Alright we’re starting somewhere

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5 Upvotes

My first successful attempt. Definately something to get used to


r/sticknpokes • • 10h ago

Freshly Stuck New one 💧 @handpokeforever

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6 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 15h ago

Freshly Stuck Borb

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7 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 1d ago

Practice Pokes It turned out a little less bad than I imagined

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38 Upvotes

This was done using only a 7RL needle and an extremely poorly made decal. I'm not saying it's good, definitely not.

I definitely welcome constructive criticism and tips.


r/sticknpokes • • 1d ago

Freshly Stuck Handpoked my be! Ornamental piece!

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48 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 1d ago

Freshly Stuck Spooky snp on self. All 7RL

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12 Upvotes

My third stick and poke.. might add color later


r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

Freshly Stuck handpoked coraline key 🔑 🌀

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248 Upvotes

used 3,7,9rl

IG @bitchpokes


r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

Practice Pokes another day, another melon

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118 Upvotes

another update on my ongoing melon practice - the bra, medieval “The” and axe are my newest attempts

I used a 1RL and a 3RL, I’ve been trying to adapt my technique by incorporating feedback from my previous posts on here, I feel like I’m getting better, but that I’m yet to turn an upcoming corner

Let me know what you think! I would love any constructive criticism

All designs are mine :p


r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

Freshly Stuck First post here!

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13 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

First S’n’P Handpoke techniques/tips

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40 Upvotes

hi all! I have only ever done machine work, but I love a handpoke tattoo. these are the only three I’ve ever done on fake skin (DISCLAIMER** these are not my designs, only used for practice) the first I did 2 passes and the others I did 3. I’m not sure if that’s normal?

overall, I was hoping for CC as well as guidance on the following

- how many passes should it take?

-advice for cleaner line work? I know to angle the needle and poke closer, but not sure if I just need to do that more or if there’s additional advice.

-what size needles for line work as well as shading?

-overall technique advice?

- I tend to have quite a bit of ink pool on my fake skin, I’m assuming I’m just picking up too much ink?

- anything you think would help!

thank you all!!


r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

Freshly Stuck Handpoked in Manchester UK by ig:Howellshandpokes at goblininktattoos

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88 Upvotes

This was a custom request from my client in memorial of his grandmother. He originally just wanted a simple linework daffodil in a shelf but I convinced him a little bit of light shading would make it feel less flat. Do you agree?

If youre wanting a tattoo like this or simlar to my other tattoos, or you're just curious about handpoke, send me over a message! My books are open for manchester and I'm always doing guest spots around the uk so dont hesitate to ask!


r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Freshly Stuck Handpoked Leg Piece

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513 Upvotes

6 sessions later and i finally finished this bad boy (: partially healed, partially fresh. so happy i get to poke bigger pieces like this!

poked w blackclaw 3rl and 5 rl; dynamic black ink

ig is @leenie________boog for more work!


r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Freshly Stuck A favorite from today. ☠︎

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47 Upvotes

@handpokeforever


r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Healed healed beetles 🪲

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141 Upvotes

IG @bitchpokes


r/sticknpokes • • 2d ago

First S’n’P Got a "Be Kind" "Be Cunning" stick and poke tattoo feat. our very own Fox.

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3 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Healed Scars Another beautiful addition from Zzizziboy - the amazing Mantis Shrimp!

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37 Upvotes

r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Healed Handpoked in Manchester UK by ig:Howellshandpokes at goblininktattoos

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122 Upvotes

We only just finished this pieces shading. The linework has been healed on this frog dude for about a year! Hes now matching his friend over on the other calf (healed about 3 years)

If youre wanting a tattoo like this or simlar to my other tattoos, or you're just curious about handpoke, send me over a message! My books are open for manchester and I'm always doing guest spots around the uk so dont hesitate to ask!


r/sticknpokes • • 3d ago

Freshly Stuck Stick n Poke Reptar!

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26 Upvotes

@ lane_odonnell on the insta


r/sticknpokes • • 4d ago

Freshly Stuck Some recent pokiez 𓃈 @handpokeforever

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187 Upvotes